Resolution on Military Spouse Occupational Licensure
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Summary
This resolution encourages states to review their occupational licensing practices to ensure compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which requires states to recognize qualifying out-of-state professional licenses for servicemembers and military spouses relocating due to military orders. It calls on state licensing authorities to streamline application procedures, improve access to information, and eliminate unnecessary barriers to employment for military families.Model Policy
WHEREAS, stable employment for military spouses contributes to the financial stability of military families, supports military readiness and retention, and strengthens state economies by allowing skilled professionals to fully participate in the workforce; and
WHEREAS, the unemployment rate for military spouses in the civilian workforce is 20%, which is more than five times the national unemployment rate; and
WHEREAS, 35% of military spouses work in career fields that require a state issued occupational license, 28% of military spouses had to obtain a new professional license after their last permanent change of station (PCS) move, and 50% of these spouses were unable to acquire a new professional or occupational license or credential within 4 months; and
WHEREAS, Military spouse unemployment is an important consideration for servicemembers deciding whether to remain in military service, which can affect military retention and readiness; and
WHEREAS, Section 705A of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), codified at 50 U.S.C. § 4025a was added in 2023 and amended in 2024 to require states to recognize qualifying out-of-state professional licenses when military orders cause a servicemember or military spouse to relocate; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Justice issued a letter to state licensing authorities on December 22, 2025 to notify agencies of recent updates to SCRA, inform agencies of the Attorney General’s enforcement authority, and encourage compliance; and
WHEREAS, multiple states have been involved in significant legal action for failing to comply with SCRA;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the [state legislature] urges the governor to coordinate a comprehensive review of all state occupational and professional licensing practices relating to military license portability and encourages all state licensing authorities to evaluate their policies and procedures to ensure compliance with Section 705A of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, codified at 50 U.S.C. § 4025a; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the [state legislature] encourages state licensing authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with federal law, including establishing clear application procedures for qualifying servicemembers and military spouses, providing accurate and accessible information about license portability, training licensing personnel on SCRA requirements, and eliminating any administrative barriers that are inconsistent with federal law.